Then and Now: A Look at
the Evolution in Wired Glass Usage
The International Building Code (IBC) was revised in 2006 to prohibit
traditional wired glass in hazardous locations. Previously the 2003 version
of the IBC had removed its use from educational and athletic facilities;
prior to that wired glass was exempt from meeting Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) safety glazing requirements where used in a fire assembly
in hazardous locations.

Most jurisdictions today are enforcing these current code
editions—with the exception of at least one notable city. Chicago still
allows the use of traditional wired glass, even in hazardous locations.
Hazardous locations aside, what you may or may not be aware is that traditional
wired glass is also still legal when used in applications that do not
require safety glass.

“You can still use wired glass in interior and exterior
applications so long as they are not hazardous locations,” says Thom Zaremba,
an industry consultant.

Jeff Griffiths, director of business development with Safti
First in San Francisco, says that when considering use of wired glass
in a non-hazardous location, design professionals need to be aware of
the low-impact resistance and dangerous breakage pattern of wired glass

It’s also important to note that the code only applies to
new construction or replacement work. There is no requirement to change
out wired glass from existing installations.

“If wired glass is used in a hazardous location and it
breaks it has to be replaced to the current code,” says Zaremba. “But,
if it is not being replaced then it is a legitimate application as it
is grandfathered in.”

Speaking of pre-code applications where wired glass may
still be in use, Griffiths adds, “Building owners should survey wired
glass applications in the building and implement a replacement program,
identifying the highest risk installations first. School and college athletic
facilities should be targeted, as well as college dormitories, school
corridors and other high traffic areas.”

Zaremba points out, anyone supplying wired glass in the
market today is most likely affixing a special fire-rated window film.
By applying the film, the glass can then be used in hazardous locations
where wired glass would otherwise be prohibited.

It’s important to understand, though, that simply applying
a safety film on existing wired glass is not the solution.

“This in itself is a violation of building codes that prohibit
the modification of any fire-rated product by field personnel without
the authorization and supervision of both the testing agency and the manufacturer,”
says Griffiths.

What about existing applications that still incorporate
traditional wired glass installed prior to code revisions? Because code
changes are not retroactively applied, Griffiths says special legislation
by state, local or federal government would be needed to mandate replacement
of existing wired glass.

When it comes to making sure the appropriate glass type
is used in the appropriate applications, Griffiths says the installer
is primarily responsible for code compliance.

“Secondary responsibility falls on the individual’s supervisor,
the building official, the architect, the building owner, etc.,” he says.

He adds that architects should make sure their building
material specifications have been updated to limit specifications of wired
glass to areas where the code does not require safety glazing.